Virgil is an ESL (English as a Second Language) student born in Chili who has acquired two languages (neither of which were English) in his upbringing. Six months ago he and his family moved to the United States. The entire family is anxious to learn English and the American way of life. Virgil’s family is very proud of the Chilean heritage and cultural traditions. They have decided to learn English at school and work, but speak their other two languages at home.
Virgil is an outgoing young man who experienced difficulties in learning science concepts in his native country. He is hoping that science will be easier for him in the United States. Hearing Ms. Johnson and the American students speak English and observing a new way of teaching science frightens Virgil. Virgil knows he will need to record information in his science journal. For different reasons, the same sinking feeling he experienced in his old school started to reoccur in his new classroom. Not only was the new language confusing, but also the entire science class left Virgil feeling lost and uncomfortable. After a few weeks of math lessons, Ms. Johnson decides to refer Virgil to the Special Education director.
Adapted from Loper, T. (n.d.) Utah Students at Risk, Online Staff Development Academy, General Curricula, ESL, ESL Case Studies, Case Study 7 (Virgil). Retrieved June 21, 2008 from http://departments.weber.edu/teachall/eslCases/eslcss.html
Virgil is an ESL (English as a Second Language) student born in Chili who has acquired two languages (neither of which were English) in his upbringing. Six months ago he and his family moved to the United States. The entire family is anxious to learn English and the American way of life. Virgil’s family is very proud of the Chilean heritage and cultural traditions. They have decided to learn English at school and work, but speak their other two languages at home.
Virgil is an outgoing young man who experienced difficulties in learning science concepts in his native country. He is hoping that science will be easier for him in the United States. Hearing Ms. Johnson and the American students speak English and observing a new way of teaching science frightens Virgil. Virgil knows he will need to record information in his science journal. For different reasons, the same sinking feeling he experienced in his old school started to reoccur in his new classroom. Not only was the new language confusing, but also the entire science class left Virgil feeling lost and uncomfortable. After a few weeks of math lessons, Ms. Johnson decides to refer Virgil to the Special Education director.
Adapted from Loper, T. (n.d.) Utah Students at Risk, Online Staff Development Academy, General Curricula, ESL, ESL Case Studies, Case Study 7 (Virgil). Retrieved June 21, 2008 from http://departments.weber.edu/teachall/eslCases/eslcss.html